Device and method for entertaining a child in an automobile

ABSTRACT

A device and method for entertaining a child in an automobile. The device includes a support member comprising two opposite ends with hangers for coupling to respective attachment members on respective opposite interior sides of an automobile. The attachment members may comprise clothes hanger hooks or emergency passenger handles, both typical standard features of automobiles. The device includes one or more suspension elements which couple to the support member, and corresponding toys coupled to each of the suspension elements. Each suspension element may be adjustable in length, thus allowing the height of each suspended toy to be adjusted. The device may be installed in an automobile such that one or more children in child safety seats situated in the back seat of the automobile may be entertained by the suspended toys. The device may be used whether a child is in a forward facing position or a rear facing position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of child toys, and more particularly to a toy mobile for entertaining a child in an automobile.

[0003] 2. Relevant Art

[0004] The use of toy mobiles to entertain young children in the home is well known. Toy mobiles have been developed which attach to cribs and baby-walkers to amuse infants, while others are designed to be suspended from the ceiling. These mobiles are very effective diversions for young children at home.

[0005] However, young children increasingly spend large amounts of time riding in the family automobile. Furthermore, automobile safety guidelines suggest, and many state laws mandate, that young children riding in automobiles be buckled into child safety seats, preferably installed in the back seat of the automobile. The placement of the child in the back seat (as opposed to the front passenger seat) removes the child from close proximity with the driver. These guidelines further suggest that children below 20 lbs. in weight should be situated in the backseat facing the rear of the automobile. This precaution exacerbates the isolation of the child in that the child can no longer see the driver, which may result in boredom and/or anxiety on the part of the child. Therefore it would be desirable to provide a diversion for children riding in the back seat of an automobile.

[0006] Therefore, improved systems and methods are desired for entertaining a child in an automobile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Various embodiments of a device for entertaining a child in an automobile are presented. The device includes a support member which comprises two opposite ends which are operable to couple to respective attachment members on respective opposite interior sides of an automobile. In one embodiment, the support member may comprise a bungee cord with hooks at each end which are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively. In another embodiment, the support member may comprise a pole with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively. In one embodiment, the pole may be adjustable in length to accommodate the differing widths of automobile interiors. In a further embodiment, the support member may comprise a strap and a buckle, again with a hanger at each end. The strap and buckle may allow the support member to be length adjusted as necessary to span the automobile interior. In yet another embodiment, the support member may comprise a strap with a two-ring buckle at each end, wherein the two-ring buckles are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively, and wherein the support member is adjustable in length via each of the two-ring buckles.

[0008] The attachment members may comprise clothes hanger hooks or emergency passenger handles, both of which are typical standard features of modern automobiles, and are typically located just above and/or just behind the back seat passenger windows of the automobile. In one embodiment, the device may also include two attachment locks which attach to the two attachment members respectively to prevent the two ends of the support member from inadvertently detaching from the respective attachment members.

[0009] The device may include at least one suspension element which couples to the support member. In one embodiment, the device may also include at least one toy which couples to the suspension element. In one embodiment, a plurality of suspension elements may be coupled to the support member, with a plurality of corresponding toys coupled to the suspension elements, respectively.

[0010] Each suspension element may be adjustable in length, thereby allowing the height of each suspended toy to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the suspension element may comprise a strap and buckle wherein the strap is coupled at one end to the support member, and coupled at the other end to a toy. In another embodiment, the suspension element may comprise a Velcro™ strap. In another embodiment, the suspension element may comprise a cord and a cinch lock (such as a spring-loaded tether-or lace-lock used in camping or outdoor gear). In a further embodiment, the suspension element may comprise a chain of removable links, wherein the suspension element is adjusted in length by adding or removing links from the chain.

[0011] In one embodiment, a suspension element strap may be coupled to the support member simply by wrapping the strap one or more times around the support member such that the suspension element is held in position by friction with the support member. In another embodiment, the suspension element may be coupled loosely to the support member, allowing the suspension element and toy to slide freely on the support member. In another embodiment, the suspension element may include a clasp at one end, such as a spring-loaded clasp, for affixing the suspension element to the support member. Similarly, the suspension element may be coupled to the toy in various ways, including the use of a clasp, a simple knot, looping the suspension element through a ring on the toy, or any other means of coupling the suspension element to the toy.

[0012] Thus, the device described above may be installed in an automobile such that one or more children in child safety seats situated in the back seat of the automobile may be entertained by the above described suspended toys. It should be noted that the device may be used as described above whether a child is in a forward facing position, or a rear facing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a device for entertaining a child in an automobile, according to one embodiment; and

[0015]FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of various components of the device of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments.

[0016] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawing and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

[0017]FIG. 1: A Device For Entertaining A Child In An Automobile

[0018]FIG. 1 illustrates a device for entertaining a child in an automobile, according to one embodiment. The automobile may comprise a structure or framework having a first interior side and a second interior side which define an interior portion of the automobile, sometimes referred to as a cabin or cab of the automobile. The automobile's first and second interior side may be opposite one another, and may comprise left and right interior sides with respect to a passenger in the back seat of the automobile.

[0019] As FIG. 1 shows, the device includes a support member 102 which comprises two opposite ends, wherein the two ends are operable to couple to respective attachment members 180A and 180B on the respective opposite interior sides of the automobile. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the support member 102 may comprise a bungee cord with hooks or hangers 108 at each end, wherein the hangers 108 are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members 180 respectively. In another embodiment, the support member 102 may comprise a pole with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively. It should be noted that the hanger 108 may comprise any of various hanger or hook elements, including the spring hook shown, an eye-hook, a loop of wire, cord, or strap, among others. In one embodiment, the pole may be adjustable in length to accommodate the differing widths of automobile interiors. In a further embodiment, the support member 102 may comprise a strap and a buckle, again with a hanger 108 at each end. The strap and buckle may allow the support member 102 to be length adjustable as needed to span the automobile interior. In yet another embodiment, the support member 102 may comprise a strap with a two-ring buckle at each end, wherein the two-ring buckles are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members 180 respectively, and wherein the support member 102 is adjustable in length via each of the two-ring buckles.

[0020] As FIG. 1 shows, in one embodiment, the attachment members 180 may comprise clothes hanger hooks which are typically standard features of modem automobiles. In another embodiment, the attachment members 180 may comprise emergency passenger handles, also standard features on many automobiles. Typically, the clothes hanger hooks or emergency passenger handles are located just above and/or just behind the back seat passenger windows of the automobile. In one embodiment, the attachment members 180 may be operable to attach respectively to the back seat passenger windows. For example, the attachment members 180 may comprise clips which are operable to clip onto the top (or other) edge of each window, respectively. In another embodiment, the attachment members 180 may be operable to attach respectively to the back seat passenger windows via adhesive means (glue), as with a “sticky hook”, wherein a contact side of each attachment member 180 has a layer of adhesive for attaching semi-permanently to a respective window. In yet another embodiment, the attachment members 180 may be operable to attach respectively to the back seat passenger windows via suction cups.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device may include at least one suspension element 104 which is operable to couple to the support member 102. In one embodiment, the device may include at least one toy 106 which is operable to couple to the suspension element. In one embodiment, a plurality of suspension elements 104 may be coupled to the support member 102, with a corresponding plurality of toys 106 coupled to the suspension elements 104, respectively.

[0022] Thus, the device described above may be installed in an automobile such that one or more children in child safety seats situated in the back seat of the automobile may be entertained by the suspended toys. It should be noted that the device may be used as described above whether a child is in a forward facing position, or a rear facing position 120.

[0023]FIG. 2: A Detailed Illustration Of Various Components Of The Entertainment Device

[0024]FIG. 2 illustrates various components of the entertainment device of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. As FIG. 2 shows, each suspension element 104 may be adjustable in length, thereby allowing the height of each suspended toy 106 to be adjusted. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more toys 106 may be positioned to be in reach of at least one child. Alternately, the one or more toys 106 may be positioned just out of reach of the children for visual entertainment only. In one embodiment, the suspension element 104C may comprise a strap and buckle wherein the strap is coupled at one end to the support member 102, and coupled at the other end to a toy 106. In another embodiment, the suspension element 104B may comprise a Velcro™ strap, as shown. In another embodiment, the suspension element 104D may comprise a cord and a cinch lock (such as a spring-loaded tether-or lace-lock used in camping or outdoor gear). In a further embodiment, the suspension element 104E may comprise a chain of removable links, wherein the suspension element 104E is adjusted in length by adding or removing links from the chain. In a preferred embodiment, the chain links may comprise plastic chain links to minimize the weight of the device. In one embodiment the chain may be coupled to the support member 102 simply by threading the support member 102 through a link in the chain, as shown. In another embodiment the chain may be coupled to the support member 102 via a strap, such as a Velcro™ strap, which binds a link (e.g., the uppermost link) to the support element 102.

[0025] As may be seen in FIG. 2, a suspension element strap 104C may be coupled to the support member 102 by wrapping the strap one or more times around the support member 102 such that the suspension element 104C is held in position by friction with the support member 102. In another embodiment, the suspension element 104B (and 104D, 104E) may be coupled loosely to the support member 102, allowing the suspension element 104B and toy 106 to slide freely on the support member 102. In another embodiment, the suspension element 104A may include a clasp at one end, such as a spring-loaded clasp, for affixing the suspension element 104A to the support member 102. Similarly, the suspension element 104 may be coupled to the toy 106 in various ways, including the use of a clasp, a simple knot, looping the suspension element 104 through a ring on the toy, or any other means of coupling the suspension element 104 to the toy 106, including attaching the suspension element 104 directly to the toy, e.g. sewing or gluing the strap to the toy.

[0026] As FIG. 2 also shows, in one embodiment, the device may also include two attachment locks 190 which are operable to attach to the two attachment members 180 respectively to prevent the two ends of the support member from inadvertently detaching from the respective attachment members. For example, in one embodiment, the attachment lock 190 may comprise an element with a set screw which is operable to clamp onto the attachment member 180, thus preventing the support member hanger 108 from sliding off of the attachment member 180.

[0027] Thus, in the manner described above, one or more children occupying child safety seats in the back seat of an automobile may be entertained, providing a more pleasant riding experience for both the children and the other occupants of the automobile.

[0028] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the embodiments are illustrated and that the invention scope is not so limited. Any variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described are possible. These variations, modifications, additions and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as detailed within the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An automobile, comprising: an automobile structure having a first interior side and a second interior side, wherein the first and second interior sides define an interior portion; a first attachment member comprised on the first interior side of the automobile structure; a second attachment member comprised on the second interior side of the automobile structure; a support member, wherein the support member comprises two opposite ends, wherein the two ends are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members on the first and second interior sides of the automobile interior; at least one suspension element which is operable to couple to the support member; and at least one toy which is operable to couple to the at least one suspension element.
 2. The automobile of claim 1, wherein the first interior side is opposite of the second interior side.
 3. The automobile of claim 1, wherein the support member comprises one of: a bungee cord with hooks at each end, wherein the hooks are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; a pole with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; a strap and a buckle with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively, and wherein the support member is adjustable in length via the buckle; or a strap with a two-ring buckle at each end, wherein the two-ring buckles are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively, and wherein the support member is adjustable in length via each of the two-ring buckles.
 4. The automobile of claim 1, wherein the at least one suspension element is adjustable in length, and wherein the at least one suspension element comprises one of: a strap and buckle; a Velcro™ strap; a cord and a cinch lock; or a chain of removable links, wherein the suspension element is adjustable in length by adding or removing links from the chain.
 5. The automobile of claim 1, wherein the attachment members comprise one of clothes hanger hooks or emergency passenger handles.
 6. The automobile of claim 1, wherein said automobile further comprises: two backseat passenger windows, wherein the two backseat passenger windows are comprised in the first and second interior sides, respectively; wherein the attachment members comprise two window clip hooks, wherein the two window clip hooks are each operable to clip onto an edge of a respective said backseat passenger window of said automobile.
 7. The automobile of claim 1, wherein said automobile further comprises: two backseat passenger windows, wherein the two backseat passenger windows are comprised in the first and second interior sides, respectively; wherein the attachment members comprise two window hooks, wherein the two window hooks are each operable to attach through adhesive means to a respective said backseat passenger window of said automobile.
 8. The automobile of claim 1, further comprising two attachment locks, wherein the two attachment locks are operable to attach to the two attachment members respectively, and wherein the two attachment locks are further operable to prevent the two ends of the support member from inadvertently detaching from the respective attachment members.
 9. A device for entertaining a child in an automobile, the device comprising: a support member, wherein the support member comprises two opposite ends, wherein the two ends are operable to couple to respective attachment members on respective opposite interior sides of an automobile; at least one suspension element which is operable to couple to the support member; and at least one toy which is operable to couple to the at least one suspension element.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the support member comprises one of: a bungee cord with hooks at each end, wherein the hooks are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; a pole with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; a strap and a buckle with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; or a strap with a two-ring buckle at each end, wherein the two-ring buckles are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively, and wherein the support member is adjustable in length via each of the two-ring buckles.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one suspension element is adjustable in length, and wherein the at least one suspension element comprises one of: a strap and buckle; a Velcro™ strap; a cord and a cinch lock; or a chain of removable links, wherein the suspension element is adjustable in length by adding or removing links from the chain.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment members comprise one of clothes hanger hooks or emergency passenger handles.
 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising two attachment locks, wherein the two attachment locks are operable to attach to the two attachment members respectively, and wherein the two attachment locks are further operable to prevent the two ends of the support member from inadvertently detaching from the respective attachment members.
 14. A method for entertaining a child in an automobile, the method comprising: attaching a first end of a support member to a first attachment member on a first interior side of an automobile interior; attaching a second end of a support member to a second attachment member on a second interior side of an automobile interior; coupling at least one suspension element to the support member; and coupling at least one toy to the at least one suspension element.
 15. The automobile of claim 14, wherein the first interior side is opposite of the second interior side.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said coupling at least one suspension element to the support member and said coupling at least one toy to the at least one suspension element occurs prior to said attaching the first end and attaching the second end.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the support member comprises one of: a bungee cord with hooks at each end, wherein the hooks are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; a pole with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; a strap and a buckle with a hanger at each end, wherein the hangers are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively; or a strap with a two-ring buckle at each end, wherein the two-ring buckles are operable to couple to the first and second attachment members respectively, and wherein the support member is adjustable in length via each of the two-ring buckles.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one suspension element is adjustable in length, and wherein the at least one suspension element comprises one of: a strap and buckle; a Velcro™ strap; a cord and a cinch lock; or a chain of removable links, wherein the suspension element is adjustable in length by adding or removing links from the chain.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the attachment members comprise one of clothes hanger hooks or emergency passenger handles.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: attaching two attachment locks to the two attachment members, respectively, after attaching the first and second ends of the support member to the first and second attachment devices, respectively, wherein the two attachment locks are operable to prevent the two ends of the support member from inadvertently detaching from the respective attachment members. 